Study Limitations
Generalization of these findings must take the following into consideration. First, QoL data were collected only from the second cohort because of a modification in the study design, which limits comparison across cohort 1 and limits the sample size for analysis. Second, mSDS was used, which may limit comparison of findings with the full version of the tool. Lastly, the majority of survivors did not know their cancer stage at diagnosis. The stage information may have provided additional insights into the level of caregiving required and influence caregiver strain or the survivors' symptom distress. Nonetheless, findings in this area support relationships among variables that need to be addressed in a larger sample as they may affect the caregiver and survivorship experience among African Americans.